Language development may be the last thing on the mind of a parent of a busy 4-year-old. However, it's hard to ignore the advancements a child makes during this phase of life as far as communication. As she begins to tell more elaborate stories and use good grammar in her sentences, a 4-year-old child displays her natural ability to pick up on language rules and new words.
Vocabulary
By the time a child has reached the age of 4, he has already developed a complex vocabulary of up to 1,500 words, says Ladies' Home Journal.com. A 4-year-old child has developed the ability to use regular past tenses of verbs, which makes it easier for him to describe things he's seen or done, says the National Network for Child Care. A child this age will commonly use action words like "do" and "make," as well as major question words like "why" and "how." The NNCC also states that a 4-year-old uses articles like "a" and "the" and will enjoy rhyming words.
Communication
A 4-year-old's language development also includes an improved ability to communicate with others. In addition to an expanded vocabulary, a child this age also possesses greater skills when it comes to relating information and events to others. According to Healthy Children, a website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a 4-year-old can string together sentences of at least five words at a time. She can also tell longer stories, including retelling stories she heard from someone else. Medline Plus, a website produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, reports that it is during this preschool-age phase that she'll also start recognizing some written words and experimenting with word play.
Learning
You can encourage language development in 4-year-olds through several techniques. According to Healthy Children, parents should expose children to books and language as early as possible and talk and read to them often, as well. Repetition is recommended to encourage brain development in regards to language; reading the same book or singing the same song over and over stimulates language development at an early age. This also helps to build a child's vocabulary, says Ladies' Home Journal.com.
Effects
While an extensive vocabulary is encouraged in a 4-year-old, it may also provide a way for him to act out. A child this age may be bossy or test the boundaries that have been laid out for him by utilizing his new vocabulary, says Healthy Children. However, it can also create more meaningful and clear communication between a parent and child. Better language skills also fuel a 4-year-old's naturally imaginative nature, which can be seen in his descriptive storytelling and creative playtime habits.
Considerations
If it appears as though a child's language skills are not developing at a normal pace, see a pediatrician to look into possible causes for this problem, advises Medline Plus. Healthy Children provides a list of possible signs of a developmental delay at this age, including an inability to use past tense or plurals and not understanding two-part commands like, "Put the lid on the box."
References
- Ladies' Home Journal.com: 4 Years Old
- National Network for Child Care: Developmental Milestones - A Guide for Parents, The Fourth Year
- Healthy Children: Developmental Milestones, 4 to 5 Year Olds
- Medline Plus: Developmental Milestones Record
- Healthy Children: Using Their Words, Helping Preschoolers Get a Good Start in Reading and Learning
